Council backs participation in Iowa State Extension housing assessment; agrees to reserve $10,000 local match if grant awarded

Denison City council voted to proceed with participation in the Iowa State Extension Rural Housing Readiness Assessment if the city’s application for a rural revitalization grant is successful and to commit a $10,000 local match that would be amended into the city budget if the grant is awarded.

Staff explained the grant structure: a $20,000 award from the rural revitalization program requires a $10,000 community match for a $30,000 total project. Staff said the Iowa State Extension assessment carries a $5,000 fee that would be paid from the grant award if Denison is selected. "Part of the requirement with that grant is that you then participate in this rural housing readiness assessment with the Iowa State Extension," staff said, noting the assessment is a discounted, practical community review rather than a formal housing study.

Council discussed where to source the $10,000 match. Staff suggested using the city housing fund (low-to-moderate-income fund mix) and said the housing committee had reviewed the idea and was supportive. Council members emphasized that if selected, staff would bring initiative options back to the housing committee for prioritization.

The motion to approve participation and to commit local match funds passed after a second and roll-call confirmations; one council member recorded a dissenting vote during the motion discussion. Staff indicated the grant announcement could come in late September or early October and will return to the council with next steps if awarded.

What happens next: if Denison is selected for the grant, staff will use $5,000 of the award for the Extension assessment, work with the housing committee to prioritize projects for the remaining funds, and place a $10,000 local match amendment on a future council agenda for formal budget action.